Dean Saunders
Ex-Wales striker on Football Focus

It's never easy to get over (leaving Liverpool) but Joe Allen's put it to one side. He was used as a sitting midfielder and I always thought he passed the ball sideways a lot, but I felt he had more to his game.

This season, Mark Hughes has played him in a number 10 position. He's anticipating and getting goals.

Hammers fans in good voice at the London Stadium as they belt out 'I'm forever blowing bubbles' as the players come out.

Image source, Reuters

Stoke midfielder Joe Allen has been playing further up front this season compared to his usual defensive role and it's working for the Potters so far as he has been involved in half of the side's 12 Premier League goals this season. 

The midfielder's tally of four goals and two assists is his joint-best haul in a top-flight campaign, along with 2011-12. 

"I've relished playing week-in week out. That is priceless," Allen told Football Focus. 

"Even last year when I was representing Liverpool I knew it was coming to an end. 

"I've really enjoyed it (the new role). It's the first time I have had a run playing in that position. Hopefully, this isn't a flash in a pan and I can help the team."

Image source, Empics

BBC Sport pundit Mark Lawrenson and former Pussycat Doll now XFactor judge Nicole Scherzinger are both tipping this game to be a draw.

What do you reckon? 

See if you can beat Lawro and Nicole in our Premier League predictor game and have a look at all of their predictions here.

BBC Radio 5 live

West Ham legend Sir Trevor Brooking has been speaking about the Hammers' current predicament on BBC Radio 5 live: "West Ham had a great year last year and the football was great to watch. This one was always going to be a tough season moving to a new stadium.

"They started slowly but have played better in the last three weeks. Stoke is a hard game today, and after the international break they have a tough run, so they could do with a win today."

Image source, .

West Ham boss Slaven Bilic makes two changes from the defeat by Everton last time out. The club's record signing Andre Ayew makes his first start for the club since getting injured on his Hammers debut against Chelsea on 15 August. He replaces Edimilson Fernandes, while James Collins comes in for the suspended centre-back Winston Reid.

West Ham XI: Adrian, Kouyate, Collins, Ogbonna, Antonio, Noble, Obiang, Cresswell, Lanzini, Ayew, Payet.

Image source, .

Stoke manager Mark Hughes is forced into two changes from Monday's win over Swansea. Forwards Xherdan Shaqiri and Marko Arnautovic miss out through injury and suspension respectively and they are replaced by Jonathan Walters and Ramadan Sobhi, who makes his first Premier League start. 

Stoke XI: Grant, Bardsley, Shawcross, Martins Indi, Pieters, Whelan, Adam, Walters, Allen, Sobhi, Bony.

Image source, .

Steve Wilson
Match of the Day commentator

If you think West Ham had enough problems trying to make their new home an environment which combines safety and atmosphere, you should take a look at their fixture list.

Following this game against resurgent Stoke, the Hammers have Spurs away, Manchester United away, Arsenal at home and Liverpool away as their next four league games - with another trip to Old Trafford in the EFL Cup for good measure.

Currently 17th, West Ham will do well not to be in the bottom three at the end of that sequence.

Not that playing Stoke could be described as a bit of light relief. After their own iffy spell, Mark Hughes and his men are now on their best run in four years.

The police presence is growing at London Stadium, where West Ham play their first home game since their EFL Cup win over Chelsea was marred by crowd disturbances.

Image source, Getty Images

Image source, Getty Images

Image source, Getty Images

If West Ham were on Homes Under the Hammer, they would have seemed to have bagged a bargain with their move to the London Stadium only for the property to turn into a house of horrors.

There has been trouble with fans and the side's form, with the Hammers fourth from bottom of the top-flight with 10 points from as many games.

Stoke were bottom not long ago but a run of five games unbeaten, including three wins from their last three, has lifted them to 12th and they have instigated the kind of turnaround West Ham will be hoping for.

Image source, Getty Images